X
despelote
Released On: May 1, 2025
90
6.3
All Platforms
View All Platforms
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 10 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 10 Critic Reviews
90
100% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Despelote is a moving and masterfully rendered game about soccer, growing up, and so much more.
Despelote is yet another juicy example of the ability of hyper specific stories to unlock universally human feelings, rather than the often misguided attempts to generalise settings and identities to reach more people. I want more games like this, and thankfully smart companies like Panic keep publishing them.
When those big swings connect, just as when we manage to knock several bottles off a wall with a single shot, Despelote offers an exhilarating reminder of the narrative ground games have yet to cover. [Issue#410, p.120]
Quotation forthcoming.
Despelote‘s short length will put some people off and the finicky controls could use some fine-tuning and extra settings to adjust. But if you’re even a little intrigued by trailers, the demo, or indeed this review, you’ll find a truly charming and sincere little odyssey with a sweet story to tell and a unique, engaging way of telling it.
Despelote is transportive in its vision of a messy childhood.
Despelote beautifully captures the mundane but rich childhood experience of play and sport through its gentle slice-of-life narrative. Via its stellar first-person soccer mechanics, intimate scope, and outstanding hand-made visual stylings, it succeeds at capturing a personal autobiographical sense of Ecuador and the quietly affecting experiences of youth.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 25 User Ratings
6.3
40% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
44% Mixed
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
16% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 25 User Ratings
6.3
40% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
44% Mixed
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
16% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
This is the weirdest game I've ever played. Absolutely nothing like I expected. I also can't stop thinking about it. It's like getting to experience someone else's memories, but they feel like your own. I kind of want to live there? I want more games like this, immediately.
Report
PC
Summary A slice-of-life adventure about childhood and the magical grip soccer held over the people of Quito, Ecuador in 2001. Get immersed in the streets and parks of Quito through the eyes and ears of eight year old Julián. Dribble, pass and shoot your soccer ball around town, and see what happens when you kick it someone's way. Feel the ...
Platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: May 1, 2025
Developer:
- Julian Cordero
Publisher:
Panic Inc.
Genres: